The Regina Police Crisis Team(PACT) may be small, but new data shows it’s making in impact on the community.
The PACT consists of one full-time mental health worker and an officer from the Regina Police Service. They work together to help people in the community suffering from mental illness and addictions. Together, they try and bridge the gap between what these people need and what services are available.
They team just completed their first year, and analysis of their work was submitted to the Regina Police Commission Wednesday morning. The report has resulted in more funding for increased services starting this fall.
Starting in September, PACT will get an additional team. The goal is to help allivatiate some of the pressures on RPS and RQHR front line staff dealing with people in crisis who often end up in the hands of police or emergency care workers, despite needing more acute care.
The addition of another PACT teams means they will be able to provide staffing for 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week.
“PACT has been an important addition to our skills and resources on the street,” said Acting Chief Dean Rae of the Regina Police Service in a press release. “This approach helps us to stabilize those in crisis and get them the help they need. Ultimately, it’s better for the safety and well-being of the individual and the community.”
“Our government is committed to a patient-centered approach to health care,” said Health Minister Jim Reiter in a press release, adding that PACT helps reduce patient wait times and addresses the province’s Addictions Action Plan.
According to RPS, PACT looked at 980 case files in 2016 and of those files, the team successfully assed 334 people who needed crisis intervention.
